Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

Will the Leader outline the sitting arrangements for the remainder of this week and, if possible, next week? While I welcome the debate on the budget scheduled for this afternoon, the matter of crucial importance at this time, one which has been alluded to by colleagues, is the guarantee scheme provided for under Credit Institutions (Financial Support) Act 2008 passed by the Oireachtas several weeks ago. The continuing delay in this regard is creating uncertainty. When will we have sight of the details of the scheme and when will the House debate it? This matter cannot be put off. As Senator Fitzgerald noted, it is also important that the Minister be present for the debate. I ask the Leader, as the Government representative in the House, to outline his knowledge of the detail of the scheme. However, the sooner we have a copy of the document, the better.

On the budget, it will be important to make a suitable amendment in the Finance Bill to exclude all those earning the minimum wage from the levy on earnings. Government Members will share the widespread view that this group should have been excluded from this savage attack on incomes.